Investigation and comparison of nano silicon carbide synthesized via low temperature magnesiothermal method using CNT pre-structures and functionalized CNTs

In the present research, silicon carbide synthesis via magnesiothermal method was investigated using MCM-48 as a silica source and different types of Carbon including CNT and MCM-48/CNTF nano composites through in-situ preparation. The experiments were accomplished with different molar ratios of MCM-48, carbon and magnesium at 650-700˚C in argon atmosphere. Properties of MCM-48, carbon nanotubes and synthesized samples were clarified using BET, XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDX and TEM techniques. After preparation and characterization of MCM-48 and carbon nano tubes, the effect of amounts and types of carbon on reaction progress were also investigated for silicon carbide synthesis. Comparison of XRD phase analysis for samples consisting of different carbon sources showed that types and morphologies of carbon and also localization mode of reactors are important factors of silicon carbide synthesis. According to obtained results it was clear that micro structure of synthesized silicon carbide was fibrous and was dependent to CNT precursor pattern. Also functionalized carbon nano tube caused better contact between MCM-48 and CNT in magnesia thermal process, therefor efficiency of magnesia thermal reaction was improved.